Rotary of Louisa Welcomes Superintendent Katie Webb
The Rotary Club of Louisa welcomed fellow Rotarian and Lawrence County Schools Superintendent Katie Webb as guest speaker during its September 3rd meeting.
Mrs. Webb shared her passion for reading and early childhood literacy while highlighting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Once enrolled, children receive a new book delivered directly to their home each month at absolutely no cost to their family.
Mrs. Webb shared the exciting news that Lawrence County currently has 505 active participants in the program. This is a wonderful reflection of the importance our community places on encouraging children to develop a love of reading from an early age.
Her presentation was especially meaningful following the recent passing of beloved Appalachian icon Dolly Parton. While Dolly touched millions of lives through her music and entertainment career, her dedication to children and literacy became an equally important part of her legacy. The Imagination Library was one of her greatest passions, growing from a program created for children in her home county in East Tennessee into an international effort placing books in the hands of millions of children.
Mrs. Webb reminded Rotarians of the incredible impact something as simple as a book can have on a child’s life. By introducing children to reading before they ever enter a classroom, families can help build a foundation for learning, imagination and a lifelong love of books.
As we remember Dolly and the remarkable life she lived, programs such as the Imagination Library give communities like ours an opportunity to help carry her legacy forward—one child, one book and one story at a time.
The Rotary Club of Louisa thanks Mrs. Webb for sharing her passion for literacy and for her continued dedication to the children and families of Lawrence County.
